Decoupage Wastebasket

Decoupage is a decorating technique similar to collage. Pieces of paper or fabric are cut out and glued to a surface, then sealed over with varnish. Allow at least a week to complete the project.

What you need:

• a metal or plastic wastebasket with a clean, dry surface
• pieces of fabric, string, ribbon; pictures from magazines or newspapers; souvenirs such as ticket stubs, stamps, foreign money, photos, or postcards (If you want to use photos or postcards, get them copied at a copy center. They'll be less rigid and easier to work with)
• a damp cloth
• white glue (diluted with water to a creamy consistency) or a glue stick
• clear varnish

What you do:

1. Smear a small amount of glue on the back of each item and stick it onto to the surface of the wastebasket. Smooth flat.
2. Wipe away excess glue with a damp cloth. Let dry. Repeat until everything you've chosen is glued in place.
3. Paint on a thin layer of varnish. Let dry. Paint a second layer and let dry.

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